David Missal - Thrivent

09/01/2026

It’s important to remember that FAFSA must be submitted every year you want aid (grants, loans or work study). Mark your calendar well in advance and complete your application as soon as possible—some financial aid is first come, first served. Typically, the applications open on Oct. 1 for the next school year. Check here for dates and application info: https://bit.ly/4kxTLkO

08/30/2026

If you have family members asking for gift ideas or ways to support your kids, consider inviting them to contribute to an education savings account. You could even gamify the experience by setting a goal, sharing the link or instructions, and celebrating progress together.

Wondering which type of plan or account might be best? Check out Thrivent’s guide to college savings plan options: https://bit.ly/4cpXajB

08/28/2026

Resist relying on guesswork when understanding a school’s price. Instead, consider the full scope of a selection’s cost, including tuition, housing, meals, books, transportation and personal expenses. Then compare this number against your projected aid and savings to see the real gaps. If the process feels daunting, remember I am here to help. Together, we can review your options and identify the schools that fit best with your unique situation.

See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.

08/26/2026

What does financial alignment truly look like in a relationship?

During an interview, Bjorn Larson, Thrivent’s Director of Financial Education, sat down with Ericka Young, author and financial educator, to discuss how couples can move forward with confidence. One insight stood out: alignment is about committing shared goals and moving in the same direction, not thinking exactly the same. Watch the full episode here: https://bit.ly/4kZezCb

08/25/2026

Shifting interest rates signal that it’s time to make sure your money is still well positioned to support your needs, whether that’s maintaining liquidity or building stability for the years ahead.

See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.

08/24/2026

Differences in each spouse’s Social Security retirement benefits and estimated life expectancy can affect your retirement strategy. Take a look at 4 strategies you can use to help maximize your Social Security benefits as a couple. ⬇️

Learn Social Security strategies for married couples, including how Social Security spousal benefits work, when each spouse may claim and what to consider as you plan your retirement income.

08/22/2026

Here are questions to consider when investing:​

✔️ What are your financial goals?​
✔️ How much can you afford to invest?​
✔️ What is your risk tolerance?
✔️ How can you help ensure your portfolio is diversified for long-term growth?​

Understanding your financial goals and preferences can inform your strategy. Let’s set up time to discuss your investing goals and what you can do to reach them.​

See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.

08/20/2026

Should you take Social Security early? It depends on your unique needs. Before deciding, make sure to take the pros and cons into consideration.​

Together, we can talk about your Social Security income and retirement savings to help determine whether claiming benefits early makes sense.

You can claim your Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62. If you have limited retirement savings or more immediate income needs, delaying benefits can feel like a missed opportunity, especially if you're in good health or have other resources available. Here's why it may pay to…

08/18/2026

Wondering what types of investments you should make? Learn more about the different options available and then let’s connect and discuss which ones may be right for you.

Today, potential paths for investors range widely—traditional investments like mutual funds sit arm in arm with alternative investments such as non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and cryptocurrency. However, investments boil down to four main types: real estate, stocks, bonds and mutual funds.

08/16/2026

Why consider waiting to claim Social Security?​

Waiting is essentially like buying more inflation-protected lifetime income, says Dr. Michael Finke, Professor and Frank M. Engle Chair of Retirement Security, The American College of Financial Services.​

In a conversation with Bjorn Larson, Thrivent’s Director of Financial Education, Dr. Finke shared how delaying your Social Security claim could meaningfully boost your long-term financial security.​

Watch more of their conversation here: https://bit.ly/4dhtRQk